In yet another series of life advice from Serena Williams, the tennis legend has pulled out of the Australian Open after concerns about her fitness post-pregnancy.
The seven-time champion released a statement last week stating that her match in Abu Dhabi in December proved to her she’s not quite ready to get back in the game. She lost the exhibition match to French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko.
“After competing in Abu Dhabi, I realised that although I am super close, I’m not where I personally want to be,” Serena stated.
“My coach and team always said ‘only go to tournaments when you are prepared to go all the way’. I can compete — but I don’t want to just compete. I want to do far better than that and to do so, I will need a little more time.”
The response to her decision has been overwhelmingly supportive, with fans even more emboldened in their support of a woman who shows us it’s OK not to be ready to jump back into your former life post-pregnancy.
After making history last year when she won the Australian Open while eight weeks pregnant, her ambition and motivation to be her best possible self is an amazing example for women and men alike. Just like when she penned that amazing essay calling for equal pay for black women, or when she gave the perfect response to bodyshamers, she’s paving the way for all of us.
Superwoman Serena made history when she won the Australian open in 2017, while eight weeks pregnant.
“The memory of last year’s Open is one that I will carry with me, and Olympia and I look forward to coming back again”, she continued, “I appreciate the support and understanding of my fans and everyone at the Australian Open.”
Can we all take a leaf out of Serena’s book this year? It’s the one resolution that might actually stick, to take your time and put yourself first.
This article first appeared on Grazia UK.
